Chen, et al (2024) Advances and prospects of multifunctional biochar-based materials from organic solid waste of traditional Chinese medicine: A review. BiomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More and Bioenergy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107296

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) generates substantial amounts of organic solid waste (OSW) due to the low proportion of active ingredients in medicinal plants. Common disposal methods like incineration or landfills are environmentally harmful and inefficient. There is a growing need for sustainable strategies to manage this waste, and recent research suggests that OSW from TCM can be converted into valuable biochar-based materials. This waste is rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making it ideal for biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More production. These biochar materials have potential applications in environmental remediation, bio-imaging, drug delivery, and energy storage.

Despite the promise, systematic reviews on the preparation, modification, and application of biochar from TCM waste are limited. This review addresses this gap by summarizing recent advances in the field. It highlights the preparation methods, modification techniques, and various applications of these biochar-based materials. The review aims to provide insights into more efficient and sustainable ways to recycle TCM waste.

Using TCM OSW for biochar production is not only innovative but also aligns with broader environmental goals, such as reducing carbon emissions. Unlike traditional biochar sources, TCM waste offers unique benefits due to its composition, which includes low toxicity and minimal heavy metal content. This makes the resulting biochar particularly suitable for high-value applications.

Overall, this approach represents a significant advancement in waste management, turning TCM waste into valuable resources and contributing to environmental sustainability.